| Mary Goskirk | |||||||||||||
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| Emmerdale character | |||||||||||||
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| Portrayed by | Louise Jameson | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 2022–present | ||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 9304 7 March 2022 | ||||||||||||
| Classification | Present; regular | ||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Jane Hudson | ||||||||||||
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Mary Goskirk is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Louise Jameson. Mary was introduced as the mother of established character Rhona Goskirk (Zoë Henry), with whom she shares a strained relationship with upon arrival. Upon her casting, Jameson immediately asked writers not to stereotype Mary into being a typical old woman. She was impressed by their response, as they had already planned for her to be a feisty, domineering, narcissistic woman who challenges people. Jameson has said that she plans to be on Emmerdale for a three to four year stint.
Soon into her arrival, she strikes up a friendship with Kim Tate (Claire King) and their pairing has been well-received by critics and viewers. Mary's vulnerable side was explored when she confides in Kim about being a lesbian. Jameson was shocked that writers had made Mary a late life lesbian, but was happy to be part of the representation. Later storylines have seen Mary begin dating Faye Helders (Jane Gurnett), who cons Mary and releases revenge porn of her. She initially struggles with the events, but is inspired when April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) wants to become a journalist like her. Viewers were initially wary of Mary's intentions upon her arrival, but quickly into her tenure, she was dubbed a fan favourite whose wit and nerve was found entertaining.